The ANC deprives Vuwani learners of their right to learn – DA

The opposition party, Democratic Alliance (DA) accuses the African National Congress (ANC) of depriving the learners in Vuwani areas of the right to education, this follows the shutdown in the area after the service delivery promises were not met.

Learners in Vuwani have not attended school since Monday and matric learners have not been able to write their preliminary exams due to a shutdown in the area due to a continuing dispute about municipal demarcation.

The DA says it has written to Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, to request the full details of how she intends to ensure the learners in Vuwani are not denied their right to education due to the ANC’s failure to adequately address the concerns of the community.

The party says it will ensure that a full and detailed contingency plan is discussed to next meeting of the Basic Education Portfolio Committee’s meeting on Tuesday, where matric exam readiness will be discussed.

“We also need clarity on the department’s medium and long-term strategies to ensure that learners continue to receive education as last time violence erupted in the area, the number of learners writing and passing matric declined by 10% after 30 schools were burned and damaged.” said DA.

The DA has called on Minister Motshekga to assist Limpopo Education MEC, Ishmael Kgetjepe, in making contingency plans including:

Securing schools as safe spaces for teaching to continue; and

Immediately arranging an alternate venue for matriculants to write their exams safely

“The Minister must also ensure the exams are not disrupted.”

“While the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution, it cannot be at the expense of learners’ education. The future of young South Africans cannot be sacrificed to make a political point.

“The Vuwani crisis is a result of the ANC government’s mishandling of community concerns but it cannot be allowed to rob more children of the right to learn and therefore the right opportunities for a better life.”